Brakes seem to be on but wheels spin freely when car is jacked

[paul060266]

When I jack up the car, all four wheel spin freely; however, when the car is lowered it’s really hard to push the car on level ground.

When I try to drive, the engine really struggles to move the car. It’s as if the parking brake is on.

For example, when you put it in first gear and try to accelerate and then step on the clutch or put it in neutral to coast, it quickly comes to a stop as if the brakes are applied. I am only referring to speeds of about 5 or so mph. I’ve never gone beyond 1st gear yet because of this.

New M/C, W/Cs, rubber hoses, fluid reservoir, Shoes, ebrake cables.

What might be causing this?

[T2_681]

Are you sure the problem is the brakes???

[Martin Southwell]

I think you'll find it's a problem with the gearbox. I have the same with the 51 gearbox I put in the 47 as temporary measure, so that I could move the car around, whilst I rebuilt the original gearbox. Somewhat defeated the object, as the car can't be moved at present!

[paul060266]

No, I am not sure it is the brakes but whatever it is, it is causing the car to brake.

[T2_681]

You should first check which axle is causing the problem.

[paul060266]

I raised the car and let the axle tubes rest on jack stands. I ran the engine/transmission through all of the gears with no apparent issue.

[T2_681]

Now with the wheels spinning try slowly raising one of the rear axles to see if anything happens.

[peter schepens]

Bearings in the wheel or gearbox worn? Just an idea. When car off the ground, it spins free, when loaded.. it has to much friction.
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[halfassleatherworks]

?? low tire air pressure ??
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[ZENVWDRIVER]

[peter schepens]

Wheel alignement ok?
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[paul060266]

I just acquired it and yes, this happened before the brake work.

Tire pressure and alignment are reasonably correct. I will investigate the wheel bearings.

[ZENVWDRIVER]

… looked in your gallery - like pic. 4 - so, same problem, before brake work - not a brake problem then - something changes, when on the ground, with weight on the wheels - would suck, if it needed a trans - can the PO offer any insight?

With all 4 wheels, off the ground - start it and put in first gear - any trans noises - anything seem strange - is the fluid in the trans up there - look like any trans leaks - axle boots okay?

… my '55 has a later trans - the car functions, as it should - that's all, I care about - original - not so much - z
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[esde]

So it ran through gears with the wheel in the air, but binds when on the ground? What’s different? Wheels aren’t “free”, something is binding under load.
Gearbox issue, possibly the differential?
How does a split case axle mount to the differential? Is it a spade like later tunnel case units?
Have you tried reverse?
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[paul060266]

And the culprit turned out to be the bearings.

All were replaced and now pure joy.

Thanks to all who gave their input.

[Martin Southwell]

Which bearings? You say 'all replaced', which would imply more than 2 bearings, so pressumably not the rear wheel bearings? Gearbox bearings? Good to hear that you have it sorted, but I would be interested to know what the cause is, as it might be the same on my 51 box.

[paul060266]

To clarify, all of the wheel bearings were replaced: inner and outer bearings for the front and the rear ones as well.